Grade: Grade 10 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Synthesis Writing SAT: ExpressionOfIdeas ACT: English

Writing Synthesis Essays

📖 Learn

What is a Synthesis Essay?

A synthesis essay combines information from multiple sources to develop an original argument or perspective. Unlike a summary (which just reports what sources say) or a comparison (which lists similarities and differences), synthesis creates new meaning by showing how sources connect, support, or challenge each other in relation to your thesis.

Types of Synthesis Essays

Type Purpose Common Use
Argumentative Synthesis Use sources to support your position on an issue Persuasive essays, debate preparation
Explanatory Synthesis Explain a topic by combining source information Research reports, informative writing
Review Synthesis Survey existing research on a topic Literature reviews, background sections

Structure of a Synthesis Essay

Standard Organization:
  1. Introduction: Hook, context, thesis statement that makes a claim
  2. Body Paragraphs: Topic sentence, evidence from multiple sources, analysis showing how evidence supports the thesis
  3. Counterargument (optional but strengthens essay): Acknowledge opposing views, refute with evidence
  4. Conclusion: Restate thesis, synthesize main points, broader implications

The Synthesis Thesis

A synthesis thesis should:

  • Make a debatable claim (not just a fact)
  • Emerge from your analysis of sources (not be predetermined)
  • Be specific enough to be proven with evidence
  • Indicate how you'll use sources to support your point

Integrating Sources Effectively

Method When to Use Example
Direct Quote Precise wording matters; memorable phrasing Smith argues that "education is the great equalizer."
Paraphrase Idea matters more than exact words According to Smith, schools can reduce inequality.
Summary Need to condense a longer argument Smith's research demonstrates the link between education and economic mobility.
SAT/ACT Connection: While you won't write full synthesis essays on these tests, the skills transfer directly. SAT Writing asks you to evaluate how authors use evidence, and reading sections require you to connect information across paired passages, exactly what synthesis essay skills prepare you for.

💡 Examples

Example 1: Crafting a Synthesis Thesis

Topic: The effects of social media on teenagers

Sources: Articles on mental health, connection, cyberbullying, and self-expression

Weak thesis: Social media affects teenagers in many ways.

(Too vague; doesn't take a position)

Better thesis: While social media offers teenagers valuable opportunities for connection and self-expression, the psychological risks, including anxiety and cyberbullying, require that parents and schools take an active role in teaching digital literacy.

(Takes a position; acknowledges complexity; sets up source use)

Example 2: Organizing Body Paragraphs by Theme

Poor Organization: Paragraph 1 summarizes Source A; Paragraph 2 summarizes Source B...

Better Organization (by theme):

  • Paragraph 1: Social media's benefits for connection (draws from Sources A, C, and D)
  • Paragraph 2: Mental health risks associated with social media use (draws from Sources B, D, and E)
  • Paragraph 3: The need for digital literacy education (draws from Sources A, B, and F)

Each paragraph weaves multiple sources together around one aspect of your thesis.

Example 3: Writing a Synthesis Paragraph

Topic Sentence: Social media can negatively impact teenage mental health.

Full Paragraph: Social media can negatively impact teenage mental health, particularly through constant comparison with curated online personas. A 2021 study by the American Psychological Association found that teens who spent more than three hours daily on social media had doubled rates of anxiety symptoms (Source A). This finding aligns with psychologist Jean Twenge's research, which links the rise in teen depression directly to smartphone adoption (Source B). However, the relationship is nuanced; as Dr. Martinez notes, "It's not social media itself but how it's used that determines its impact" (Source C). Students who use platforms for creative expression rather than passive scrolling report better mental health outcomes (Source D). Together, these sources suggest that the mental health effects depend less on whether teens use social media and more on how they engage with it.

Example 4: Addressing Counterarguments

Your Position: Schools should limit cell phone use during class.

Counterargument Paragraph: Opponents argue that cell phones are valuable educational tools that prepare students for a technology-driven world. Indeed, Source A notes that apps like Kahoot and Google Classroom can enhance engagement. However, this argument overlooks the substantial evidence that mere phone presence impairs cognitive function. Source B's controlled study found that students scored 6% lower on tests when phones were visible, even if silenced. Furthermore, Source C demonstrates that the educational benefits of phones can be achieved through school-provided tablets with content filters, suggesting that students don't need personal devices to access technology's educational potential. The distraction costs outweigh the benefits.

Example 5: Effective Transitions Between Sources

Poor Transition: Source A says X. Source B says Y.

Better Transitions:

  • Agreement: "This finding is consistent with..." "Similarly, Source B argues..."
  • Extension: "Building on this point, Source B adds..." "Source B takes this further by..."
  • Disagreement: "However, Source B challenges this view..." "In contrast, Source B argues..."
  • Qualification: "While this is generally true, Source B notes that..." "Source B complicates this by..."

Transitions show readers how sources relate and guide them through your argument.

✏️ Practice

Test your understanding of synthesis essay writing.

1. What distinguishes a synthesis essay from a summary?

A) A synthesis is shorter

B) A synthesis combines sources to support an original argument

C) A synthesis only uses one source

D) A synthesis avoids taking a position

2. Which is the strongest synthesis thesis?

A) There are many opinions about climate change.

B) Climate change is bad for the environment.

C) While climate mitigation is costly, the economic consequences of inaction far exceed the investment required for prevention.

D) Source A supports climate action and Source B opposes it.

3. In synthesis writing, body paragraphs should be organized by:

A) Source (one paragraph per source)

B) Theme or point (multiple sources per paragraph)

C) Length (longest paragraphs first)

D) Alphabetical order of authors

4. When should you use a direct quote rather than paraphrase?

A) Always, to avoid plagiarism

B) When the exact wording is particularly powerful or important

C) When you don't understand the source

D) Never, paraphrasing is always better

5. Why should synthesis essays include counterarguments?

A) To confuse the reader

B) To show you've considered other perspectives and strengthen your position

C) Because teachers require them

D) To make the essay longer

6. Which transition shows that two sources agree?

A) "However, Source B argues..."

B) "In contrast to Source A..."

C) "Similarly, Source B found..."

D) "Source B contradicts this by..."

7. After presenting evidence from a source, you should:

A) Immediately move to the next source

B) Analyze how the evidence supports your thesis

C) Repeat the quote again

D) End the paragraph

8. A synthesis thesis should be:

A) A statement of fact that everyone agrees with

B) A question you'll explore

C) A debatable claim you'll support with evidence from sources

D) A summary of all your sources

9. "Source A discusses topic X. Source B also discusses topic X." This is an example of:

A) Strong synthesis

B) Weak synthesis (merely noting topics without showing relationships)

C) Proper citation

D) A good thesis statement

10. The conclusion of a synthesis essay should:

A) Introduce new evidence

B) Simply repeat the introduction

C) Synthesize main points and discuss broader implications

D) List all sources used

Click to reveal answers
  1. B) A synthesis combines sources to support an original argument — Synthesis creates new meaning from combined sources.
  2. C) While climate mitigation is costly... — Takes a clear, debatable position and shows complexity.
  3. B) Theme or point (multiple sources per paragraph) — Organizing by theme allows true synthesis.
  4. B) When the exact wording is particularly powerful or important — Quote when words matter; paraphrase when ideas matter.
  5. B) To show you've considered other perspectives and strengthen your position — Addressing counterarguments builds credibility.
  6. C) "Similarly, Source B found..." — "Similarly" indicates agreement.
  7. B) Analyze how the evidence supports your thesis — Evidence without analysis doesn't prove your point.
  8. C) A debatable claim you'll support with evidence from sources — Thesis should make an argument.
  9. B) Weak synthesis — This notes topics but doesn't show how sources connect or support an argument.
  10. C) Synthesize main points and discuss broader implications — Conclusions should add insight, not just repeat.

✅ Check Your Understanding

Question 1: What is the difference between organizing an essay by source versus by theme?

Reveal Answer

By source: Each paragraph summarizes one source. This creates a list-like structure where sources don't interact. By theme: Each paragraph explores one aspect of your argument, drawing from multiple sources. This allows you to show agreement, disagreement, or nuance among sources. Organizing by theme is stronger because it creates actual synthesis, showing readers how sources relate to each other and to your thesis. It demonstrates critical thinking rather than just reporting.

Question 2: How do you develop a synthesis thesis from your sources?

Reveal Answer

Start by reading sources and taking notes on their main arguments. Look for patterns: Where do sources agree? Disagree? What questions emerge? What conclusions can you draw from comparing them? Your thesis should make a claim that emerges from this analysis, something you couldn't know from reading just one source. It should be specific, debatable, and indicate how you'll use your sources. Don't force sources to fit a predetermined thesis; let your argument grow from genuine engagement with the material.

Question 3: Why is analysis more important than just presenting evidence?

Reveal Answer

Evidence alone doesn't prove anything; it requires interpretation. Analysis explains what the evidence means, how it supports your thesis, and why it matters. Without analysis, readers must draw their own conclusions, which may not match your intent. Analysis is where you demonstrate critical thinking by explaining the significance of quotes, showing connections between sources, and building your argument step by step. The pattern should be: evidence, then analysis, then connection to thesis. Analysis is your voice in the essay.

Question 4: How do you effectively integrate a counterargument into your synthesis essay?

Reveal Answer

First, fairly present the opposing view using sources that actually make that argument. Don't create a weak "straw man." Then, refute the counterargument using evidence from other sources, showing why your position is stronger. You might acknowledge partial validity ("While it's true that..., this overlooks..."), highlight flaws in the opposing evidence, or show that your evidence is more compelling. Counterarguments typically appear after you've made your main case but before the conclusion. Engaging with opposition shows intellectual honesty and strengthens your credibility.

🚀 Next Steps

  • Review any concepts that felt challenging
  • Move on to the next lesson when ready
  • Return to practice problems periodically for review